The Los Angeles Lakers have a big problem on their hands right now.
They reportedly want to keep Austin Reaves there for the long run, as they should, but they might not be able to afford it.
He’s in for a big payday in his next contract, and it’s hard to believe he’s going to pass on that opportunity just to give them a hometown discount.
With that in mind, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report predicted how much money he’d get in his next contract, and it’s hard to believe the Lakers will be able to meet his financial aspirations:
> “Reaves is nearly sure to decline his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season to explore unrestricted free agency next summer, seeking a salary in the $30 million starting range. The most he can extend for ($19.5 million) is far short of that number. Any team acquiring him would need behind-the-scenes assurances that he’d re-sign at a pre-arranged price, although they wouldn’t be technically legal or binding,” Pincus [said](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25198475-how-la-lakers-are-trying-fix-biggest-roster-weakness).
Reaves was the Lakers’ third-best player last season, and he stepped up big time when Luka Doncic or LeBron James couldn’t play.
Even though Doncic’s presence might make him somewhat expendable, they showed that they can coexist on the court.
Granted, he didn’t look good in the playoffs, but he’s been one of their best playoff performers for years now, not to mention a homegrown player who went from an undrafted free agent to a legitimate two-way starter.
Even so, unless LeBron James agrees to take a pay cut to build a competitive team, Reaves will most likely be on his way out.
And judging by his youth, work ethic, and winning impact, there should be no shortage of suitors lining up to trade for him.
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